Description: Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.
But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.
And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.
My Thoughts: So, I would be thrilled if Stengl could continue to write The Tales of Goldstone Wood indefinitely. There is so much depth and history to this world, that I don't mind that it is not in chronological order. The themes are so real and relevant, without becoming preachy.
Dragonwitch is certainly not the least of these. The idea of the Smallman is perhaps the most sound metaphor for our world yet. Often I feel like the Smallman, wondering how I can be used for anything because I do not meet some idea of perfection.
The theme and brilliance would have made me rate this 5 stars, if not for a little disappointment. Sir Eanrin has come to be my favorite character in this series, but when Mouse called him a monster in this book ( The pet name Felix gave him in Heartless) she was right. In this book, he seemed to be truly nasty to the other characters. While he has never really been nice, he has not been so mean before. This is not a reflection on the author (there is a reason for Eanrin being this way), it just upset me.
Don't be deceived, however, the rest of the characters still make this worth reading and Sir Eanrin did have his redeeming moments of humor and guidance. Leta has become one of my favorites and I hope to see her in the future.
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I did not know how I'd end up liking it, but it turned out to be a five star book for me. The Small Man idea is one of the best in the series.
ReplyDeleteI know, I loved the smallman. He was such an unexpected hero.
DeleteAw, I'm sorry you were a little disappointed. I didn't find Eanrin's 'meanness' much different then his attitude towards Lionheart and Glomer. Perhaps we got to see more of it, but it made me laugh and shake my head. His cynical sarcasm is very human I think, but because he's a faerie, he has no qualms voicing it. He's a cat after all. And his beloved Imraldera was in danger! But its obvious (especially against the shining example of Etanun) that he has a lot of growing to do in his knighthood to the Prince. He hasn't quite learned that 'speech seasoned with grace' thing yet, has he? :) Now, we DID get to see the more deadly warrior side of him in this book...and I adored every second of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the rest of the book! Alistair, the Chronicler, Leta, and Mouse were such wonderful human characters. But my very favorite character of this book (besides Eanrin) is Etanun. He was such a stunning example of redemption and true love. I was really inspired by him.
Eanrin was mean to the others, but he seemed to always do so with a bit of affection, or else they did something to deserve it. Mouse had not done anything (that he knew of yet).
DeleteTrue.
DeleteWhat was your favorite part of the book? (Without giving away spoilers.)
Oh, and if you would like to participate, I tagged you over at my blog to list your favorite movies. Do it only if you want to. :)
My favorite part would have to have been when the Smallman realized he could bear Halisa. What was yours?
DeleteI will check that at and see, thanks!
Probably the climax surrounding the Dragonwitch and her greatest enemy...though I cried so hard. And I also really enjoyed Eanrin's inspirational speech to the Chronicler. And when a certain someone opens their eyes to see the Prince of Farthestshore. :)
DeleteThat was a good part...
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